A summer tablescape with retro vibes

I've talked before about skirting around an expensive, complex floral centerpiece for a tablescape, but I think this look that I created makes my point even stronger. Who needs a huge flower arrangement when you can use the tiniest bunch of ranunculus as an understated focal point? Especially when you can play off of it with flanking little baskets of clementines? I love how the creative and unexpected combination of all three pieces makes for a bright and full table, but at a fraction of the price! I think it's also cool that so much of it's edible and none of it goes to waste (these were clementines we had bought to eat; they simply doubled as decoration when it came to setting the table). PS, the larger empty basket is for bread, and it's the best purchase I've made in a long time!

And as I almost always believe, white dinner plates are the way to go. They always look clean and classy, and they can take on the vibe of any cloth napkins or other elements that are easier and cheaper to switch in and out. In this case, I went for a slightly retro feel with the pink, orange, and brass tones, as well as the vintage glasses, gingham pattern, and wooden elements.

I will say, I'm very new to the mysterious world of the table runner. I sort of put table cloths, table runners, and window treatments all in the same basket: things I have zero experience with, don't quite understand, and would rather just not. But I'm trying. Because as much as I don't want to admit it, and as much as I don't want to spend an exorbitant amount of money on what, to me, are just glorified sheets, I do think they can be nice. And I suppose curtains are necessary when you live in a gigantic fish bowl and have innocent children who live across from you who get on the bus every morning the same time you get out of the shower and whom you'd rather not traumatize for life. Yes, I *guess* curtains have value. Although table cloths and runners aren't as "life or death", I'm slowly beginning to see that they can add value, too. I really love the ease and versatility of this one from West Elm (I linked it and much of what is pictured at the bottom of the post).